Jewish war vets get grant for memorial

The federal government is allocating $5,300 to restore the Canadian Jewish War Veterans Memorial, which was erected in memory of Jewish Canadians who served in the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II and later conflicts.

As a result of the grant, members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256 (General Wingate) will add two new structures to the existing Canadian Jewish War Veterans Memorial in the Mount Sinai Cemetery, on Wilson Avenue near Keele Street.

The new structures will commemorate Jewish Canadians who lost their lives in World War I.

“Our government is committed to encouraging Canadians, young and old, to remember and honour veterans and the brave service men and women who serve our country,” said Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney. “Local war memorials, such as the Canadian Jewish War Veterans Memorial, acknowledge and reflect the appreciation for our veterans of current and past generations.”

“I commend the members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256 for their dedication to honouring veterans,” said Joe Oliver, minister of natural resources. “Helping community groups restore local memorials is one way our government is working to ensure young Canadians and their families will learn about and remember the achievements and sacrifices of our veterans.”

Funding for the initiative is being provided through Ottawa’s Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program, which partners with community organizations to conserve cenotaphs and monuments.